Markomallow’s latest single, Alien, is a masterful blend of emotional depth and musical innovation, marking a significant milestone in her evolving artistic journey. The song opens with a hauntingly beautiful piano score, setting a Christmas-adjacent mood that transcends the festive season. It’s a melody that lingers, reminiscent of a winter’s tale, yet universal in its appeal. Markomallow’s vocal performance is nothing short of spectacular, seamlessly transitioning from the introspective tones of Lucy Dacus to powerhouse belting, reminiscent of Lady Gaga. This vocal dynamism not only showcases her range but also the emotional intensity she brings to her music.
Lyrically, Alien delves into the theme of alienation, a sentiment many can relate to during the holiday season when expectations of joy and transformation often clash with reality. Markomallow’s introspective songwriting shines here, as she explores the dissonance between how others perceive us and our internal transformations. The track is a poignant reflection on identity and the loneliness of feeling misunderstood or unseen.
Markomallow, drawing inspiration from icons like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Taylor Swift, infuses her music with a unique blend of colours and textures. Alien is a perfect example of her ability to combine different genres into a cohesive and captivating whole. Her dedication to exploring themes of anxiety, self-criticism, and perfectionism in her songwriting makes her music not only relatable but also deeply healing.
Alien was officially released on December 8th; stream it on SoundCloud.
Review by Amelia Vandergast